r00fie1
Well-known member
Carrick – Sheffield Wednesday
[Monday 18th September Media Conference]
Thoughts on Blackburn at the weekend?
There was progress in many ways, but results are results, so there`s different ways of judging it. But certainly for me [in terms of the players] first and foremost, to see the effort and application of the players and all the way through the game [even at two-nil]: on the back of [previous] results, its easy to go the other way, but [if anything] that flipped us into gear, which is a little bit of a lesson – in terms of going behind in games and giving ourselves too much to do. Over a period of time we`ve done it too much really and last season we were able to overcome it. Its an awful lot easier if you can get one foot in front or get one goal in front. So that`s a good lesson for us – what we`ve shown in games. What we`re capable of and the problems we can cause when we`re in that right state. So [we`re] looking to do that a lot more obviously. We`ve had spells where we put that together as a whole game and build on that.
Does Carrick have confidence there are leaders in the squad to get that first win?
Yes. I know the boys. I`ve spoken a lot about that and the spirit in the group. Its easy to say that when things are going well – most camps, most groups [have] the energy and everyone is positive when things are going well. That [issue] comes towards me as a Manager when things are going well: I`m fantastic, players are fantastic. Support has done fantastic because every thing`s going well. When it doesn’t go to plan, I get questions, I get tested. [the] Players are then asked whats going on? Are they good enough for this and that. Then it becomes challenging for the supporters and for me that`s the biggest test. It finds out what we`re all about when you have a bit of a tough time – whether it gives you extra motivation, drive and determination. Certainly, for the players, you know in a position like that, you can see their reaction and the supporters who turn out in numbers [and continue the way they have] and will continue in the next few weeks. In the away games especially…..so that`s a real powerful sign that we [are] reacting in the right way and going about it in the right way. It takes all of that to come together [and] when you do come through it, it puts you in a strong position – knowing that you stuck together – when the real character is shown. That`s what I`m looking for in the weeks to come.
Does the position of Sheffield Wednesday put the same pressure on Boro?
Nah. For me it doesn’t. I said its not an all-or-nothing game by any stretch. Its another game. Of course, if you look at the league table now – which its very very early to do, history will tell you that [how much] does it mean at this stage when you get to the end of the season. That`s one way to look at the league. For me [you`ve] got to be a bit more level than that and assess the group of players, as individuals, what`s going into the performance, how we`re playing. One game is not gonna sway my mind on on that by any stretch. Its the next game. Its the most important game, because it always is…...and obviously we are searching for a good result, for a win, for many reasons. But, of where we are in the league at this stage, that doesn’t hype up the game any more than it needs to.
Compared to results last season is it [for Carrick] about staying “Even” ?
I think you`ve got to get a balance, you`ve got to be realistic you know. You cant hide under the pillow and expect and hope every thing will be fine. You`ve got to do something about it. there`s a way of assessing that and you`ve got to be in the right frame of mind to do that as well. [For players] you`ve got to be in the right frame [of mind] and then be in a clear frame of mind to perform and stuff – [consider] set backs and carry on the same way. Whether we`ve gone a goal or two up, or [won] a couple of games on the bounce – you`ve got to stay level. That`s the only way I know really and we`l stick with that.
Injuries?
One or two players are receiving scans as you expect when games are coming thick and fast…..and we`re assessing that. we`l see whose fresh, whose available, come tomorrow [Tuesday] night.
Lucas [Engel] has been back in training – he`s available.
Alex Gilbert wasnt involved on saturday. Has he got an injury?
No, no. Alex is part of the squad and at this moment we`ve got strength in numbers in certain areas. Unfortunately, sometimes you have to sit one or two out. Alex is fine, he`s training great. Change of club, change of experience, adapting really well, so we`re hopeful and excited for what`s to come for Alex. I think its important for younger players to have that balance, but its still important for you to believe that you should be in the squad….....in the team. You`ve got to have that inner belief and confidence that you belong at this [or] a higher level. I`de expect that from all the players. But surely, there`s a realisation.....….of where the current situation is, where the level is you`re at.
I`ve had to leave [some players out] and make some decisions and there will be more [decisions] to come. We`ve got a good squad and at some point some will have to miss out. Unfortunately for them and unfortunately for me, I don’t like having to tell them that because they don’t deserve it. But, over time you keep working hard, you get your chance and you`l be ready to take it and that`s the main message.
Did Carrick accept at the start of the season it would be harder to get points than last season – especially with new players?
We`l see if I accept it in terms of the situation Of course, we`re not accepting [the] results. Its how you deal with them really…..We`ve got the group of players [now]: there was afairly big turn around of players, but [I`ve said it to you enough times now] how much I believe in them…..whatever age they are, however long they`ve been here – but there`s not an acceptance that its going to take a certain amount of time. We want it to be here and now and I think everyone does connected to the football club. It doesn’t always quite happen….but we`l find a way. I`m convinced of that……...we`ve got to keep pushing and getting better and improving as quick as we can.
Has Carrick spoken to Steve Gibson?
Of course I have [big smile] yea. He`s not hiding from me yet. Of course we speak. Its calm, its an understanding of what we`re trying to achieve, how we are trying to go about it. Working together is a big part of it: as I said earlier [its] about me, the players, supporters, club in general. We`re all in it together.
There`s no “me” or “them” or “players” and “the rest”….we are all in it together and fighting for the same thing. We understand there is a bit of a process…….but I`m not one for accepting [as it is] – its not quite gone your way. “we`ve got to do something about it”. That`s “my” job. “My responsibility” – what I enjoy doing and backing the players 100%.
Does Carrick accept he needs to “refine” his “system” when things arent going well?
There`s constant questions and balance of what`s the right thing to do. I`m not going to change the style of play because its what I believe in. I wouldnt be a coach or the Manager or the staff, if we suddenly went down a totally different route. Its what we`re good at. Its what we know. It suits the players “we” brought in – playing a certain style. But, you ….adapt what the players can all do slightly differently. [they] have strengths in different areas and every game is different. This Saturday [Blackburn] was end to end. It was a very open athletic team and we adapted to that as best we could and we`l have to adapt again on Tuesday night. That doesn’t change with results – thats still an ongoing thing wheter you win, lose or draw.
Is Carrick constantly looking at what he can change?
Yes. I think we`ve changed a fair bit through the start of the season [to be honest] with the different players in different positions that we`ve played. “I`ve said to start with”, the position for me: its not a big thing – its principles – its certain spaces we want to attack we want to control a game in certain ways, so again [smile] thats kind of ongoing really.
Is Carrick focusing on having the worst defence in the league?
Yes to a point. Yes. You`ve got to be very careful of over analysing certain things as well. When you`re winning you don’t over analyse why you`re winning just because you are winning. That doesn’t mean everything is going to plan. There`s still parts of the team that arent performing, but you`re winning so….its easy to just get on with it. Its the same when results arent going to plan. You`ve got to take a balanced view. “Its very easy to go down a rabbit hole, trying to pick every detail”. Its about prioritising. “Of course we`ve conceded too many goals”. There`s different reason for that and we`re working on that – of course we are. We havent actually conceded loads of chances over the season. Even in games [where we`ve] conceded two shots….a couple of deflections….a shot from 35 yards. So once you go too far analysing, it can become too dangerous as well. we`ve got to keep a clear head – which we have – and we need to improve. There`s no hiding from that, but there`s a way of going about it and thats what I`m trying to say. We need to simplify it if anything….[just look at] them “fine margins”. “I`m confident we snowball in the other direction”.
Is it Carrick`s role to take the pressure off the players?
Yes, in a way. Of course its my role. The book stops with me. I`ve been a player as well and [I understand] you got to go and perform. there`s the expectation to perform from the outside, but more importantly from within: the boys have all got a huge amount of pride in themselves and they know what`s expected of them from themselves more than anything – how good they can be. How good they can perform.
The biggest thing for me is how much faith I`ve got in them and how much belief. I know what they`re capable of and trying to get that out of them and being positive with them. They`re a really good squad to work with and I know what we`ve got here. Of course, it comes down to me to bring that out of them.
Some fans have been asking whether those with Championship Experience [should] be “a core within the side”?
Six games into a season really, we`re still building a group, still building a squad. Its quite interesting in some ways: some teams through a season….. December, January, will go through a run [of games] and through the season, where they don’t get the results that they want. But it gets clouded over a little bit. When its the start of the season it [defeat] feels a little more obvious…... and rightly so because we've got to do something about it. But, if it was through December of January, we had a blip or a bit of a run…. we wouldn't be changing all sorts of different things. We are certainly not going to start doing that now, because its a long season and I firmly believe the direction we`re going is the right one.
Emphasising “Keeping together”?
I don’t even need to emphasise it to be honest. Its there. Its obvious. I think we`re all trying to do that as a club, as me, as a staff, as the players, as the staff above me within the club and certainly the supporters. In terms of numbers and supporting the place it doesn’t need me to emphasise that, its there. Which is more important.
Words are easy but it`s what actually happens and the actions which is most important and more powerful and for I can see it clear as day and it gives me real encouragement.
[Monday 18th September Media Conference]
Thoughts on Blackburn at the weekend?
There was progress in many ways, but results are results, so there`s different ways of judging it. But certainly for me [in terms of the players] first and foremost, to see the effort and application of the players and all the way through the game [even at two-nil]: on the back of [previous] results, its easy to go the other way, but [if anything] that flipped us into gear, which is a little bit of a lesson – in terms of going behind in games and giving ourselves too much to do. Over a period of time we`ve done it too much really and last season we were able to overcome it. Its an awful lot easier if you can get one foot in front or get one goal in front. So that`s a good lesson for us – what we`ve shown in games. What we`re capable of and the problems we can cause when we`re in that right state. So [we`re] looking to do that a lot more obviously. We`ve had spells where we put that together as a whole game and build on that.
Does Carrick have confidence there are leaders in the squad to get that first win?
Yes. I know the boys. I`ve spoken a lot about that and the spirit in the group. Its easy to say that when things are going well – most camps, most groups [have] the energy and everyone is positive when things are going well. That [issue] comes towards me as a Manager when things are going well: I`m fantastic, players are fantastic. Support has done fantastic because every thing`s going well. When it doesn’t go to plan, I get questions, I get tested. [the] Players are then asked whats going on? Are they good enough for this and that. Then it becomes challenging for the supporters and for me that`s the biggest test. It finds out what we`re all about when you have a bit of a tough time – whether it gives you extra motivation, drive and determination. Certainly, for the players, you know in a position like that, you can see their reaction and the supporters who turn out in numbers [and continue the way they have] and will continue in the next few weeks. In the away games especially…..so that`s a real powerful sign that we [are] reacting in the right way and going about it in the right way. It takes all of that to come together [and] when you do come through it, it puts you in a strong position – knowing that you stuck together – when the real character is shown. That`s what I`m looking for in the weeks to come.
Does the position of Sheffield Wednesday put the same pressure on Boro?
Nah. For me it doesn’t. I said its not an all-or-nothing game by any stretch. Its another game. Of course, if you look at the league table now – which its very very early to do, history will tell you that [how much] does it mean at this stage when you get to the end of the season. That`s one way to look at the league. For me [you`ve] got to be a bit more level than that and assess the group of players, as individuals, what`s going into the performance, how we`re playing. One game is not gonna sway my mind on on that by any stretch. Its the next game. Its the most important game, because it always is…...and obviously we are searching for a good result, for a win, for many reasons. But, of where we are in the league at this stage, that doesn’t hype up the game any more than it needs to.
Compared to results last season is it [for Carrick] about staying “Even” ?
I think you`ve got to get a balance, you`ve got to be realistic you know. You cant hide under the pillow and expect and hope every thing will be fine. You`ve got to do something about it. there`s a way of assessing that and you`ve got to be in the right frame of mind to do that as well. [For players] you`ve got to be in the right frame [of mind] and then be in a clear frame of mind to perform and stuff – [consider] set backs and carry on the same way. Whether we`ve gone a goal or two up, or [won] a couple of games on the bounce – you`ve got to stay level. That`s the only way I know really and we`l stick with that.
Injuries?
One or two players are receiving scans as you expect when games are coming thick and fast…..and we`re assessing that. we`l see whose fresh, whose available, come tomorrow [Tuesday] night.
Lucas [Engel] has been back in training – he`s available.
Alex Gilbert wasnt involved on saturday. Has he got an injury?
No, no. Alex is part of the squad and at this moment we`ve got strength in numbers in certain areas. Unfortunately, sometimes you have to sit one or two out. Alex is fine, he`s training great. Change of club, change of experience, adapting really well, so we`re hopeful and excited for what`s to come for Alex. I think its important for younger players to have that balance, but its still important for you to believe that you should be in the squad….....in the team. You`ve got to have that inner belief and confidence that you belong at this [or] a higher level. I`de expect that from all the players. But surely, there`s a realisation.....….of where the current situation is, where the level is you`re at.
I`ve had to leave [some players out] and make some decisions and there will be more [decisions] to come. We`ve got a good squad and at some point some will have to miss out. Unfortunately for them and unfortunately for me, I don’t like having to tell them that because they don’t deserve it. But, over time you keep working hard, you get your chance and you`l be ready to take it and that`s the main message.
Did Carrick accept at the start of the season it would be harder to get points than last season – especially with new players?
We`l see if I accept it in terms of the situation Of course, we`re not accepting [the] results. Its how you deal with them really…..We`ve got the group of players [now]: there was afairly big turn around of players, but [I`ve said it to you enough times now] how much I believe in them…..whatever age they are, however long they`ve been here – but there`s not an acceptance that its going to take a certain amount of time. We want it to be here and now and I think everyone does connected to the football club. It doesn’t always quite happen….but we`l find a way. I`m convinced of that……...we`ve got to keep pushing and getting better and improving as quick as we can.
Has Carrick spoken to Steve Gibson?
Of course I have [big smile] yea. He`s not hiding from me yet. Of course we speak. Its calm, its an understanding of what we`re trying to achieve, how we are trying to go about it. Working together is a big part of it: as I said earlier [its] about me, the players, supporters, club in general. We`re all in it together.
There`s no “me” or “them” or “players” and “the rest”….we are all in it together and fighting for the same thing. We understand there is a bit of a process…….but I`m not one for accepting [as it is] – its not quite gone your way. “we`ve got to do something about it”. That`s “my” job. “My responsibility” – what I enjoy doing and backing the players 100%.
Does Carrick accept he needs to “refine” his “system” when things arent going well?
There`s constant questions and balance of what`s the right thing to do. I`m not going to change the style of play because its what I believe in. I wouldnt be a coach or the Manager or the staff, if we suddenly went down a totally different route. Its what we`re good at. Its what we know. It suits the players “we” brought in – playing a certain style. But, you ….adapt what the players can all do slightly differently. [they] have strengths in different areas and every game is different. This Saturday [Blackburn] was end to end. It was a very open athletic team and we adapted to that as best we could and we`l have to adapt again on Tuesday night. That doesn’t change with results – thats still an ongoing thing wheter you win, lose or draw.
Is Carrick constantly looking at what he can change?
Yes. I think we`ve changed a fair bit through the start of the season [to be honest] with the different players in different positions that we`ve played. “I`ve said to start with”, the position for me: its not a big thing – its principles – its certain spaces we want to attack we want to control a game in certain ways, so again [smile] thats kind of ongoing really.
Is Carrick focusing on having the worst defence in the league?
Yes to a point. Yes. You`ve got to be very careful of over analysing certain things as well. When you`re winning you don’t over analyse why you`re winning just because you are winning. That doesn’t mean everything is going to plan. There`s still parts of the team that arent performing, but you`re winning so….its easy to just get on with it. Its the same when results arent going to plan. You`ve got to take a balanced view. “Its very easy to go down a rabbit hole, trying to pick every detail”. Its about prioritising. “Of course we`ve conceded too many goals”. There`s different reason for that and we`re working on that – of course we are. We havent actually conceded loads of chances over the season. Even in games [where we`ve] conceded two shots….a couple of deflections….a shot from 35 yards. So once you go too far analysing, it can become too dangerous as well. we`ve got to keep a clear head – which we have – and we need to improve. There`s no hiding from that, but there`s a way of going about it and thats what I`m trying to say. We need to simplify it if anything….[just look at] them “fine margins”. “I`m confident we snowball in the other direction”.
Is it Carrick`s role to take the pressure off the players?
Yes, in a way. Of course its my role. The book stops with me. I`ve been a player as well and [I understand] you got to go and perform. there`s the expectation to perform from the outside, but more importantly from within: the boys have all got a huge amount of pride in themselves and they know what`s expected of them from themselves more than anything – how good they can be. How good they can perform.
The biggest thing for me is how much faith I`ve got in them and how much belief. I know what they`re capable of and trying to get that out of them and being positive with them. They`re a really good squad to work with and I know what we`ve got here. Of course, it comes down to me to bring that out of them.
Some fans have been asking whether those with Championship Experience [should] be “a core within the side”?
Six games into a season really, we`re still building a group, still building a squad. Its quite interesting in some ways: some teams through a season….. December, January, will go through a run [of games] and through the season, where they don’t get the results that they want. But it gets clouded over a little bit. When its the start of the season it [defeat] feels a little more obvious…... and rightly so because we've got to do something about it. But, if it was through December of January, we had a blip or a bit of a run…. we wouldn't be changing all sorts of different things. We are certainly not going to start doing that now, because its a long season and I firmly believe the direction we`re going is the right one.
Emphasising “Keeping together”?
I don’t even need to emphasise it to be honest. Its there. Its obvious. I think we`re all trying to do that as a club, as me, as a staff, as the players, as the staff above me within the club and certainly the supporters. In terms of numbers and supporting the place it doesn’t need me to emphasise that, its there. Which is more important.
Words are easy but it`s what actually happens and the actions which is most important and more powerful and for I can see it clear as day and it gives me real encouragement.
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